Global shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced the introduction of a war risk surcharge on cargo shipments bound for several destinations across Africa and islands in the Indian Ocean, citing growing security concerns along major maritime trade routes.
The company said the additional charge is being implemented in response to heightened geopolitical tensions and the increased risks facing vessels operating in waters linked to the Red Sea and surrounding regions.
According to MSC, the surcharge will apply to shipments heading to multiple African ports as well as destinations across the Indian Ocean, including islands that depend heavily on maritime supply chains for essential goods.
Shipping firms have been reassessing routes and costs due to persistent security threats affecting vessels in the region. Concerns have intensified since attacks on commercial ships began disrupting traffic along one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Industry analysts say the war risk surcharge is designed to help cover the rising costs associated with additional security measures, insurance premiums, and operational adjustments required to safeguard crews and cargo.
The development is expected to increase freight costs for businesses importing goods into parts of Africa and the Indian Ocean, potentially pushing up prices for commodities, consumer products, and industrial materials.
Several shipping companies have already begun rerouting vessels away from high-risk zones or charging extra fees to offset the impact of instability in key maritime passages such as the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal corridor.
Trade experts warn that if the security situation persists, the added costs could ripple through global supply chains, particularly affecting developing economies that rely heavily on sea freight for imports.
MSC said it will continue monitoring the situation closely and may adjust the surcharge depending on how security conditions evolve in the affected maritime regions.
